The stake had pierced through Cassius's heart.
Cassius staggered back, while the two women watched how his crimson eyes widen with disbelief, his breath hitching as a sharp, unbearable pain exploded through his chest. The stake, wooden, jagged, and merciless, was buried deep in his flesh, right where his heart lay.
His fingers trembled as they hovered over the wound, disbelieving, as if touching it would make it real. But reality was already sinking in. The warmth of his own blood, thick and dark, gushed from the wound, spilling over his hand in sickening waves. It dripped between his fingers, soaking his clothes, pooling at his feet.
His legs threatened to give out. His body, always so powerful, so untouchable, suddenly felt weak, betrayed by something far crueler than pain.
Betrayed by her.
